Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
While traveling out to denver from omaha, received low oil pressure light on my 2003 Lexus RX300. Pulled over immediately, had car towed to Lexus dealership. They immediately knew what to look for and say..the car has been misused, (no oil changes) and oil gelling was result. Within minutes they said the engine was shot and would require new engine. They showed me the sludge which was only found on one cylinder head, by the oil return line. Quantity was about one handful and as stated, only near the return line, remainder of head clean. I had changed oil night before trip. They will not honor power train warranty, since I cannot prove oil was changed every 7500 miles. Car has 50,000, and I purchased car from individual who stated he always maintained car but cannot prove with receipts. …
While pulling into a parking space in my office parking lot, I had an unattended acceleration while my foot was on the brake. The car lunged over the curb, up a slight incline, hit a small tree which knocked down the perimeter fence. I called the Lexus dealership and they gave me an 800 number to call. I reported what happened and they sent a tow truck to bring my car to the dealership because I was afraid to drive it. At the dealership they indicated to me that I was not suppose to bring it to them so I had the manager drive it to their collision place where I had the bumper repaired. My insurance company did not pay for a rental replacement. The repair cost me $250 (my deductible) + the rental car cost of approx. $210.00. My insurance paid for the tree and fence repair of about $2,000+. My car was subsequently inspected by Toyota's inspection company. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the vehicle accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor and the vehicle stopped. After the dealer inspected the vehicle they informed the contact that it the fuel sensor caused the failure. The dealer repaired the fuel sensor. The engine oil was always low and the contact had to add oil to the vehicle every week. The engine also exhibited a large amount of dark smoke. The check engine light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that they would not repair it. The dealer stated that they would repair the vehicle if he paid $2,000 in advance. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that his vehicle was not a part of any recalls and there was nothing they could they do unless the contact paid the repair cost. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Lexus RX300. While driving 65 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
I have just sat and read probably 50 complaints; safety and defective, concerning the transmission for the 2001 Lexus RX300. From what im reading, I guess I should consider myself lucky, I currently have 142,000 miles on my vehicle and although I've experienced non-periodic shifting abnormalities, I haven't experienced any of the horrific problems I've been reading in the NHTSA complaint section of this site. It is obvious there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed before someone (if not already) is mangled or worst, killed. It astonishes me that a company that survives by there reputation for quality would not address what is obviously a serious and costly burden to there loyal customers. We are talking about a 35,000 dollar vehicle in 2001. …
While driving, the car jerks and then cuts off. This has happened at least half a dozen times within the last 2 months. Engine light is constantly on, even after servicing the car at local Lexus dealer. When car is parked, I noticed exhaust fume smells heavily with gas.
I purchased a 2000 Toyota SUV. And subsequently had the vehicle go into sudden complete irreperable engine failure while driving on a busy road. It had been a "recall", or service bulletin that the item was a "gel" problem (or sludge) with the oil in the make and model of the car. Although this was a known problem, Lexus of monterey claimed that they'd never seen such a thing and that the vehicle needed $400.00 worth of diagnostics to see what the problem was. On the advice of my usual auto mechanic, I contacted Lexus and reported a possible "gel" problem. Lexus immediately sent someone out to check the vehicle and pronounced it the manufacturers' problem that had been sent out as a notice to owners of the automobiles. They paid for a new engine, and also advised us that all incedintal would be covered. …
NHTSA investigations
Engine seizure
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus RX300 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (28), 2000 (26), 2001 (17) and 2002 (13) model years. Engine complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Lexus RX300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lexus RX300 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus RX300 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles; 12% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (19 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (13).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.